Thiago’s former teammate both at Bayern Munich and in Spain, Xabi Alonso has revealed the advice he gave his compatriot before deciding on Liverpool.
Alonso and Thiago, two of the most technically gifted players to ever represent Liverpool, built a relationship on the pitch that lasted, on and off, for six years.
With three appearances alongside Spain and a further 67 at Bayern Munich, the pair formed a strong bond both on and off the pitch.
So when Thiago was on Liverpool’s radar in the summer of 2020, it only made sense that he would contact Alonso and discuss the possibility of moving from Bavaria to Merseyside.
Alonso, speaking ahead of his appearance with the Liverpool legends against Man United in this month’s charity friendly, has now revealed what he said to the number 6.
“We talked a lot that summer because he was thinking about the option,” he told the club’s official website.
“I told him: ‘Thiago, you love football, you are at a great club, you are at Bayern and you have achieved great things, but Liverpool is pure football and you are going to enjoy it as much as you have. done’.
“‘If you feel the time is right for a new chapter, you won’t get any better places than Liverpool.'”
It is a statement that shows both why Thiago was so keen to join Jurgen Klopp’s side two years ago, as well as the affinity with the club and the city that Alonso forged during his time at Anfield.
Of course, there is the possibility that club members will privately discuss Thiago’s ability with Alonso ahead of the £25m deal, with the 40-year-old enamored with his fellow midfielder.
“You could tell that he is a different player,” he recalled about his time on the pitch with Thiago.
“He is a different talent because he is competitive but at the same time he has those magical Brazilian actions that are not so European.
“He is competitive but he can do different things.
“He was a great player at Bayern and he’s still consistent and a great player at Liverpool.”
